HEAD x UEFA: Interior equalities – redesigning the changing room experience

The project ‘Interior Equalities – Redesigning the Locker Room Experience’ aims to improve existing changing room facilities for young football players. They often lack atmospheric qualities and sufficient capacities, compromising the privacy and comfort of young athletes. The male-dominated culture prevalent in many sports clubs can create an unwelcoming environment for female and non-binary players.

Initiated by the UEFA Innovation Hub in collaboration with ThinkSport and the Swiss Football Association, this project started as a semester project in the Department of Interior Architecture at HEAD – Genève. Thirteen students designed individual spatial interventions aimed at making football facilities more inclusive and user-friendly. The basis was extensive research, including an analysis of various locker room designs, examination of user questionnaires, and engagement with contemporary discourse on equality in interior architecture. Advanced technologies such as 3D scanning were employed to analyse existing spaces, while mixed reality headsets enabled students to create their design concepts at a 1:1 scale.

The individual proposals formed the foundation for developing a functional prototype. Partnering with OSZ Worbboden, two existing locker rooms underwent comprehensive renovations and replacement of furniture elements.

The following improvements were implemented and tested within these rooms:

⁃ Elevated Benches: Seating heights were increased from the standard 45 cm to 62 cm and 72 cm. This enhancement fosters better social interaction and improved eye contact among players and with trainers.

⁃ Improved Storage Space: Raised benches create additional space beneath for large sports bags, preventing floor clutter and maintaining clear seating areas.

⁃ Functional Backrests: Wider backrests offer practical spaces for temporarily placing personal items such as phones and keys.

⁃ Increased Mirrors: Multiple mirrors accommodate more players simultaneously, allowing unrestricted access.

⁃ Various Height Coat Hangers: Two different heights of coat hangers enhance ergonomics and create a less formal design.

⁃ Bold Wall Colours: Vibrantly painted walls energise the space, positively influencing mood and motivation.

⁃ Optimised Lighting: Linear lighting running through the locker room evenly distributes illumination, eliminating excessively bright areas and dark corners.